Shares of Wilmar International slipped 0.3% to S$3.45 during afternoon trading in Singapore on Thursday, easing after a 2.7% gain in the previous session.
Trading volume reached about 4.7 million shares, with the stock remaining near recent highs as investors weighed commodity price trends and global trade developments.
Market participants are closely monitoring the company’s exposure to volatile edible oil prices and policy changes that can rapidly reshape international trade flows.
Investors are also awaiting Wilmar’s full-year 2025 financial results, scheduled for release after market close on February 26, with attention expected to focus on demand trends and operating margins, key drivers of earnings for commodity-based food producers.
Palm oil prices, a major factor influencing Wilmar’s performance, remained largely stable in early trading. Malaysian palm oil futures edged up slightly, supported by a weaker ringgit but offset by declining prices in competing vegetable oils, reflecting mixed market sentiment.
Wilmar’s operations in India are also drawing investor attention. Its affiliate, AWL Agri Business, formerly Adani Wilmar, has indicated that lower U.S. tariffs could strengthen export opportunities for products such as Fortune-branded basmati rice and edible oils.
The development follows a trade agreement announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%.
AWL Agri Business Executive Deputy Chairman Angshu Mallick said the company plans to leverage its distribution network, along with Wilmar’s global supply chain presence, to expand its footprint in the U.S. market.
Exports currently account for about 8% of AWL’s total sales, with the U.S. contributing roughly 5% of that export revenue, suggesting the immediate financial impact may be limited despite positive market sentiment.
Wilmar’s earnings performance typically depends on the spread between raw material costs and selling prices for packaged food and bulk commodity products. This margin is influenced by currency fluctuations, shipping costs, and price movements in soybean and palm oil markets.
Investors remain cautious as tariff policies and commodity prices can shift quickly. Mallick noted that AWL is still evaluating the detailed terms of the trade agreement, while commodity price spikes could reduce demand if higher costs are passed on to consumers.
Wilmar’s share performance, which has strengthened in recent weeks, appears to be stabilizing as investors reassess market conditions ahead of the company’s earnings announcement.
Market watchers are expected to focus on management guidance regarding commodity trends, trade policy developments, and demand outlook for the coming quarters.
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